Pink-Ball Tests in danger! England blocks matches in 2029-30 Ashes

Ben Stokes leading the England Cricket team in pink ball Test match [Source: @cricketmania/X]

The England and Wales Cricket Board has signalled its intention to reject any proposals to play day-night Test matches using the pink ball during the next Ashes series in Australia, scheduled for 2029-30, according to a report by BBC Sport.

As per the report itself, the firm stance follows high-level discussions between cricket officials from both nations, indicating a point of tussle in the storied rivalry over the years.

Why England is trying to reject pink ball in Ashes?

From what can be understood, the decision is rooted in England’s recent and historical difficulties in the day-night format, particularly on Australian soil.

During the 2025-26 Ashes tour, England suffered a heavy eight-wicket defeat in a one-sided day-night Test at Brisbane’s Gabba, a loss that put them 2-0 down in a series they would eventually lose 4-1.

Statistics reveal a stark contrast in fortunes. Australia boasts a dominant record in day-night Tests, winning 14 of its 15 matches worldwide. England, on the other hand, has won only two of their seven pink-ball Tests, with four of their defeats coming in Australia.

The larger stance behind banning day-night Tests in The Ashes

As per BBC Sport, the ECB communicated its position to Cricket Australia (CA) during post-Ashes talks that focused on preserving the Ashes as a premier Test series.

While the pink ball is favoured by broadcasters for its viewer-friendly primetime slots, with higher television figures for the Brisbane Ashes Test compared to day matches in Perth and Adelaide, the English hierarchy is prioritising competitive balance and traditional conditions.

The report notes that the challenge for batters in these matches is not increased swing or seam, but the significant difficulty of seeing the pink ball under floodlights.

This has notably benefited Australian bowlers like left-arm quick Mitchell Starc, who has taken more wickets than any other bowler in day-night Tests.

England batter Joe Root had publicly questioned the necessity of the format in an Ashes series on the eve of the Brisbane Test last year, telling Test Match Special, "A series like this, does it need it? I don't think so, but it doesn't mean it shouldn't be here either."

This planned rejection for 2029-30 now faces the threat of no pink-ball Tests in The Ashes. Of the 25 day-night Tests played globally since the International Cricket Council sanctioned the format in 2015, 14 have been hosted there. However, the report indicates that the concept is not without its critics in Australia either.

Ex-Australia player marks day-night Tests as a red flag

Concerns have been raised about an upcoming one-off day-night Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in March 2027, planned to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first-ever Test.

BBC Sport has been told that one influential former Australian player has directly urged CA to reconsider and switch that anniversary match to a traditional red-ball game.

“One influential ex-Australia player has directly voiced concerns to Cricket Australia and urged them to consider switching the match to a red-ball game,” the report read.

Furthermore, CA’s scheduling flexibility is highlighted. The report states that the Australian board does not have a contractual obligation with its broadcasters to stage an annual pink-ball Test, and the entire 2026-27 home season featuring Bangladesh and New Zealand will be played with the red ball.